How can we apply the principle of shared resources in our church today? Setting the Stage: Ezekiel 48:15 in Context “Then the remainder, an area five thousand cubits wide and twenty-five thousand cubits long, will be for common use for the city, for dwellings and for open pasture; and the city will be in the center.” (Ezekiel 48:15) Ezekiel’s literal vision reserves a central tract “for common use,” showing that shared resources are a built-in part of God’s design for His people. A Divine Pattern of Shared Resources • God owns everything (Psalm 24:1) and assigns portions for everyone’s benefit. • In the wilderness, manna was gathered “each according to his need” (Exodus 16). • The common land sits “in the center,” teaching that mutual provision belongs at the heart of covenant life. • The pattern foreshadows the church, one body supplying what each part lacks (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Biblical Echoes that Reinforce the Pattern • Acts 2:44-45 — “All the believers were together and had everything in common … distributing to anyone as he had need.” • Acts 4:32 — “No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.” • 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 — Paul pursues “equality,” citing Exodus 16:18. • 1 Timothy 6:18-19 — The wealthy must be “generous and ready to share.” • Hebrews 13:16 — “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • Proverbs 11:24-25 — “A generous soul will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Principles for Today’s Church • Ownership is stewardship; assets are held in trust for kingdom use. • Shared resources should be visible and accessible, like the land “in the center.” • Equality means no believer suffers needless lack. • Generosity must be voluntary and cheerful. • Transparency in handling common funds builds trust. • Ongoing teaching on stewardship grounds practice in Scripture. Practical Ways to Live It Out Financial – Create a benevolence fund with open accounting. – Direct surplus budget lines to mission churches or struggling congregations. Facilities – Keep buildings open for tutoring, job-training, or neighborhood meetings. – Plant a community garden on unused land. Goods – Operate a “share closet” for baby gear, medical equipment, or tools. – Host clothing swaps and school-supply drives. Skills & Time – Pair retirees with young families for repairs, mentoring, and childcare. – Form ride-share teams for those without transportation. Information – Offer a job board and financial-counseling ministry. Digital – Provide church-wide access to Bible-study software or curriculum subscriptions. Blessings That Flow from Obedience • Needs are met and thanksgiving rises to God (2 Corinthians 9:12). • Unity deepens, fulfilling John 13:35. • Outsiders see the gospel in action (Acts 4:33). • The church previews the coming kingdom, reflecting Ezekiel’s literal future order where Christ supplies abundance for all. |
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